BACI Welcomes DHS’s Designation of TPS for Burma and Launches Program to Help Non-Immigrant Visa Holders in the USA

INDIANAPOLIS, March 17, 2021 — The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) just launched its new program: TPS and Asylum Program developed to provide assistance to F-1 students from Myanmar, which is enduring increasing unrest and violence following the February 1, 2021 coup.  

On March 12th, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, announced the designation of Burma for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

“Due to the military coup and security forces’ brutal violence against civilians, the people of Burma are suffering a complex and deteriorating humanitarian crisis in many parts of the country,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “After a thorough review of this dire situation, I have designated Burma for Temporary Protected Status so that Burmese nationals and habitual residents may remain temporarily in the United States.”

“We welcome and applaud the decision of Secretary Mayorkas as this special designation will provide relief to thousands of Burmese currently living in the US on non-immigrant visas,” said Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of BACI. “We look forward to collaboratively working with DHS and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), federal and local agencies and our partners to ensure that Burmese in the US are receiving this important protective status as Myanmar has become literally a slaughter and killing ground.”

Thousands of Burmese are believed to be currently in the US on non-immigrant visas, including 2,564 active SEVIS records for students with Burma (Myanmar) listed as their country of citizenship according to the most recent data posted in the SEVP Data Library (2019).

The TPS and Asylum Program at BACI will assist Burmese who are eligible for TPS, as well as those who wish to seek asylum status. BACI has started gathering its legal team including pro-bono lawyers and volunteers who will assist with the filing of the required forms for the individuals.

Immigration attorneys and other individuals who are interested in the volunteer opportunity to assist with this program should contact the BACI at info@baci-indy.org or fill out the interest form here: https://forms.gle/KcrHXMQqvWCARRno8
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Elaisa Vahnie: They are demanding the military junta to return their freedom and democracy to the people, by the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders, to honor the Nov elections results, a complete reform of the constitution and establish a federal democratic Union of Myanmar based on the federalist principles and equality.

A few scenarios could emerge: the military heed the people’s demand, release all civilian leaders detained and allow democratic processes to resume as soon as possible. That is the best solution. Or the military stubbornly ignores the people’s voice and the international community’s pressure, instead intensifies its violent crackdown on peaceful protesters like they are doing as we speak, then it could end up with the most terrible situation one can imagine – the 54 million people rise up and take any arms to defend and defeat the military, all-out war with the EAOs, international humanitarian intervention, more bloodshed and more lives lost.

I do not see the people of Myanmar giving up their fight for freedom. They clearly see this is the real opportunity to break the culture of the military junta once and for all. The international community must be willing to take all means necessary to help end the military coup before more lives are lost.

To learn more about the Feb 1, 2021 Myanmar Military Coup and the country situation, read an interview with Mr. Elaisa Vahnie, BACI Executive Director by the Pressenza International News Agency, accessible here: https://www.pressenza.com/2021/03/the-military-coup-in-burma-an-interview-with-mr-elaisa-vahnie

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The ongoing armed clashes between the ethnic armed groups and the Burmese military have forced thousands to leave their homes as victims of war and become internally displaced persons (IDPs). The situation has worsened as a result of the Feb 1 military coup. Thousands of families and children are in urgent need of food, medical supplies and shelters. Your giving today will make a difference. Donate through GlobalGiving.

And or to help provide their basic needs, such as food, medical care, shelter for those who have been impacted by the violent crackdown on the ongoing peaceful protests and the civil disobedience movement (CDM) in Myanmar. They are in urgent need of your help. A 100% of your donation will directly go to these children, families and the most vulnerable. Donate through GoFundMe.

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